News Summary
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace faced backlash after a tense confrontation with transgender student Harley Hicks during a USC event. The heated exchange revolved around Mace’s past derogatory remarks and her ongoing opposition to transgender rights. This incident highlights the broader divide in U.S. politics regarding transgender issues as Mace considers a gubernatorial run in 2026. Attendees voiced their concerns about her divisive rhetoric and actions, reflecting a growing dissent within her constituency.
Columbia, South Carolina – U.S. Representative Nancy Mace faced substantial backlash following a contentious interaction with transgender student Harley Hicks during an event at the University of South Carolina. The incident occurred on April 21, 2025, during an event organized by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA. Hicks, who uses she/they pronouns, challenged Mace on her use of the term “tranny,” asking for an apology, which led to a heated exchange between the two.
During the event, Mace not only questioned whether the term is indeed derogatory, but she also repeated the word three times while engaging with Hicks. This exchange caught attention when Mace later shared it on social media platform X, drawing further scrutiny and criticism.
The event was attended by approximately 60 participants and devolved into a question-and-answer session that spanned various topics, including immigration and abortion, often interrupted by confrontational queries about Mace’s beliefs and policies. Hicks and other attendees expressed their concerns about Mace’s stance on transgender rights, stating that being present as a transgender individual at the event was a courageous act.
Prior to this incident, Mace had faced criticism for her language and views on transgender issues. In February 2025, she had also used similar derogatory language during a House Oversight Committee hearing concerning USAID funding for diversity initiatives. Known for her strong anti-transgender policies, Mace recently spearheaded initiatives to prohibit transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the U.S. Capitol, particularly following the election of Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender congresswoman from Delaware. Mace asserted her commitment to preventing such inclusion in South Carolina and beyond.
At the USC event, audience members pressed Mace about her faith and policies, challenging her often divisive rhetoric. A self-identified Democrat voiced concerns regarding trust in Mace’s willingness to engage in sincere dialogue with the transgender community, considering her past labeling of Democrats as part of the “lunatic left.” Despite this, Mace indicated openness to dialogue but firmly reiterated her opposition to transgender inclusion in women’s facilities.
Following the event, Mace encountered more backlash after confrontational engagements with her constituents, notably an incident with Ely Murray-Quick at an Ulta Beauty store, where Mace reportedly used inappropriate language. Mace has mentioned fears for her safety and that of her staff as reasons for avoiding in-person town halls, a move that has drawn further criticism from within her own party, including lifelong Republicans who feel alienated by her rhetoric.
Attendees like Holly Sox noted that they began voting Democrat in reaction to Mace’s alignment with more extreme elements of the Republican Party, especially the MAGA movement. Mace’s recent legislative actions have intensified ongoing discussions surrounding rights and protections for transgender individuals, highlighting the deepening divisions in the U.S. Congress on these issues.
As Mace considers a gubernatorial run in 2026, the controversies stemming from her comments and policies continue to polarize constituents. The implications of her actions resonate broadly, affecting not only her political future but also the civil rights landscape for transgender individuals across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette: Congresswoman Mace Doubles Down on Offensive Language to Transgender USC Student
- The State: Mace Faces Backlash for Offensive Remarks
- Washington Post: Mace’s Controversial Policies on Transgender Bathrooms
- ABC Columbia: Person Accused of Accosting Rep. Mace Pleads Not Guilty
- WISTV: Mace’s Resolution Banning Transgender Bathroom Use in Capitol
- Wikipedia: Transgender Rights in the United States
- Google Search: Nancy Mace Controversy
- Google Scholar: Transgender Rights Legislation USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transgender Rights
- Google News: Nancy Mace Transgender
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